Who’s manning the dirt for the Wildcats’ infield this season?
With just a week until Northwestern kicks off its season with a three-game stand against Long Beach State, we continue our position previews by shifting focus to the infield. If you missed our other position previews, check out our analysis of Northwestern’s pitchers or our breakdown of transfers, key freshmen, and newcomers.
The Wildcats will return several infield starters for the 2025 campaign, but one key question remains for second-year skipper Ben Greenspan—who will take over at shortstop following Tony Livermore’s departure? While a frontrunner has emerged, the competition remains open, with multiple players vying for the role. With that in mind, here’s a look at the key names to watch in Northwestern’s infield this season.
The names to know
Catcher — Bennett Markinson, Senior
The California native remains the heart and soul of Greenspan’s team after a stellar junior campaign, in which he led the Wildcats with a .337 batting average, a .408 on-base percentage, and 68 hits. Expectations for Markinson’s senior season in Evanston are sky-high, as he was named one of D1Baseball’s top 50 catchers in the nation. He also showcased his durability last season, appearing in all 52 games — one of only three Northwestern players to do so.
While he occasionally shifted over to first base on the days where he wasn’t behind the plate, his greatest impact comes as a catcher. His ability to shut down opposing baserunners and control the running game with a strong, accurate arm, combined with his high-level offensive production, makes him one of the premier backstops in the Big Ten.
First Base — Trent Liolios, Junior
After a rocky freshman season in which Liolios struggled mightily at the plate — hitting just .188 with 16 hits, one home run, and 15 RBIs over 85 plate appearances — the first baseman rebounded in a big way last year. In his first full season as a starter, he proved his durability, appearing in all 52 games and making his presence felt in the lineup. He upped his batting average to .209 and showcased his power, launching nine home runs while tallying 41 hits and 36 RBIs.
Liolios is poised to take another step forward in his junior campaign, and Northwestern will need every bit of production he can provide. Last season, the Wildcats’ offense didn’t just struggle—it flatlined. Greenspan’s squad finished dead last in the Big Ten in batting average (.241), runs scored, and total hits. Even the second-worst team in the conference recorded nearly 50 more hits than Northwestern. If the Wildcats hope to climb out of the Big Ten basement this season, Liolios will need to build on his breakout 2024 campaign — and bring a few teammates along with him.
Second Base — Owen McElfatrick, Junior
Just like Liolios, McElfatrick took a massive leap forward in his sophomore campaign. The Florida native saw his numbers skyrocket from a rough freshman season, where he hit just .190 with 30 hits, four home runs, and 17 RBIs. But in his second year, he broke through for Greenspan’s squad, batting .290 with 61 hits, 11 home runs, and 37 RBIs — all while posting an eye-popping .524 slugging percentage.
McElfatrick was arguably the Wildcats’ best all-around player last season. After he spent his freshman year roaming center field, Greenspan moved him to second base full-time, and he thrived from the start. But he’s not done yet. If he keeps building on his breakout 2024 campaign, he has the tools to vault himself into the Big Ten’s elite at the position. With a potent bat, a steady glove, and a little more refinement, McElfatrick isn’t just a key piece for Northwestern—he could be the difference between another lost season and a team finally finding its way.
Shortstop — Ryan Kucherak, Sophomore
The former LSU product arrives in Evanston as Greenspan’s most high-profile addition from the transfer portal and is the frontrunner to replace Livermore at shortstop on opening day. The sophomore brings an impressive pedigree to the Wildcats, having been a coveted 2023 recruit and ranked as the second-best shortstop in Arizona by Perfect Game. However, in his lone season in Baton Rouge, Kucherak struggled to carve out a role on a loaded LSU roster. In 16 appearances, he managed just three hits, two RBIs, one stolen base, and four runs in 12 at-bats.
The Wildcats haven’t landed a transfer with Kucherak’s résumé in a long time—maybe ever. His arrival could be the first real sign that Greenspan is starting to turn the tide in Evanston. But with that comes expectations, and they aren’t small. A former top recruit stepping in from the SEC doesn’t come without a spotlight. If Northwestern wants to finally snap its NCAA Tournament drought — one that’s been collecting dust since 1957 — Kucherak will have to elevate his game to another level.
Shortstop — Jack Counsell, Sophomore
The son of Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell arrives in Evanston with deep ties to the program. The Michigan transfer was originally recruited by Greenspan out of high school when he served as the Wolverines’ associate head coach and recruiting director. That connection begs the question—could he factor into the shortstop discussion despite primarily playing second base in college? With McElfatrick locked in at second, a position switch would be necessary, but it’s not out of the question
Counsell joins Northwestern after appearing in 20 games at Michigan, making two starts while recording two hits, two RBIs, and four runs in just 17 at-bats. While Kucherak’s résumé makes him the clear frontrunner to start at shortstop in the Wildcats’ opener against Long Beach State, Counsell’s familiarity with Greenspan could turn this into a legitimate position battle.
Third Base — Vince Bianchina, Graduate Student
The graduate student regressed at the plate last season, struggling significantly —particularly with his batting average. Over his first three years, he hit a respectable .257, but that number plummeted to .217 in his senior campaign. Despite his difficulties at the plate, Bianchina still managed to put the ball in play, finishing fourth on the team in hits while adding three home runs and 24 RBI. However, Bianchina finishing so highly on the team in hits despite his struggles serves as a reflection of Northwestern’s broader issues at the plate.
As the Wildcats look to climb out of the Big Ten cellar, Bianchina’s role at third base becomes even more crucial. If he can rediscover his form in his final season wearing purple and white, it could be the spark Northwestern needs to finally turn the corner.